As a pickleball enthusiast who’s spent countless hours on the court, I’ve had the pleasure of putting both the Elongated and Widebody versions of the Selkirk SLK ERA Power 16mm Pickleball Paddle through their paces. Let me tell you, these paddles are an absolute blast to play with, delivering a thrilling combination of raw power, wicked spin, and pinpoint control that’s elevated my game to new heights. Whether you’re smashing drives or finessing drop shots, both shapes of the SLK ERA are engineered to make every swing feel like a masterpiece. Here’s my deep dive into why these paddles are must-haves for any serious player, with a breakdown of how each shape brings its own flair to the court.
Elongated Shape: Reach for the Stars
The Selkirk SLK ERA Power Elongated Pickleball Paddle is like wielding a lightning bolt. At 16.5” long and 7.45” wide, this paddle’s stretched-out design gives you that extra reach to snag those tricky shots just beyond your grasp—imagine deep serves or defensive gets from the baseline. The elongated shape feels like it was born for aggressive players who love to dictate the pace. I found myself unloading blistering drives with ease, thanks to the paddle’s ability to channel force through its extended length, which adds serious plow-through to every swing.
What sets this paddle apart is its Dynamic Fusion Core—a brilliant mix of a polypropylene honeycomb center wrapped in low-density EVA foam with composite edge reinforcements. This setup creates a massive sweet spot that’s incredibly forgiving, even when my shots weren’t perfectly centered. Whether I was hammering a forehand or flicking a quick volley at the net, the paddle delivered consistent power without sacrificing the touch needed for delicate dinks. The 8.15 oz average weight (ranging from 7.9–8.4 oz) feels lively yet balanced, with a swing weight of 118 and twist weight of 6.6 keeping things stable during fast exchanges.
The 3-Layered Face, blending T700 Raw Carbon Fiber with woven fiberglass, is a spin machine. The Raw Spin Technology had me carving serves and cuts that danced across the court, keeping my opponents guessing. The surface’s texture grips the ball beautifully, making it easy to add topspin or slice with confidence. Paired with the 5.8” handle—one of the longest I’ve used—it’s a dream for two-handed backhands, giving me extra leverage for powerful returns. The 4.25” SLK Comfort Grip, with its octagonal design, locks into your hand for precise shot placement, and I never felt fatigued, even during marathon rallies.
Durability is another win here. The Reinforced Edge Technology keeps the paddle’s perimeter rock-solid, shrugging off the occasional court scrape while maintaining that expansive sweet spot. USAP-approved and backed by a one-year warranty, this paddle is built for tournament warriors. Available in sleek Black & Blue or Black & White, it looks as bold as it plays. For players who crave power and reach with a side of spin, the Elongated SLK ERA is your ticket to dominating the court.
Widebody Shape: Stability and Sweet Spot Galore
If the Elongated version is a lightning bolt, the Selkirk SLK ERA Widebody Pickleball Paddle is a thunderclap—broad, commanding, and impossible to ignore. Measuring 15.95” in length and a generous 8.0” in width, this paddle’s wider hitting surface feels like a canvas for consistency. The expansive sweet spot made every shot feel effortless, especially when I was defending against fast volleys or placing precise shots in tight corners. This shape is a game-changer for players who want power but prioritize stability and forgiveness in their strokes.
Like its Elongated sibling, the Widebody boasts the Dynamic Fusion Core, blending polypropylene honeycomb with EVA foam and composite edge reinforcements. This core delivers explosive power while keeping off-center hits reliable, which was a lifesaver during intense rallies where perfect contact isn’t always guaranteed. The 8.15 oz average weight (ranging from 8.0–8.3 oz) feels just right, with a swing weight of 109 and a higher twist weight of 7.3 adding extra stability against twisting on impact. I loved how this paddle let me swing with confidence, knowing it would stay steady no matter how hard I hit.
The 3-Layered Face, with its T700 Raw Carbon Fiber and fiberglass blend, is a spin enthusiast’s dream. The Raw Spin Technology gave my shots a wicked bite, letting me shape the ball with precision—whether I was dropping a soft third shot or ripping a topspin drive. The textured surface feels connected to the ball, offering a confident grip that enhances control. The 5.6” handle is slightly shorter than the Elongated version, but still accommodates two-handed grips comfortably, and the 4.25” SLK Comfort Grip with its octagonal shape kept my hand locked in for accurate, fatigue-free play.
The Reinforced Edge Technology ensures this paddle can handle the grind of competitive play, maintaining its shape and performance through countless matches. USAP-approved and backed by a one-year warranty, it’s ready for the big stage. The Black & Blue or Black & White color options give it a sharp, professional look that matches its performance. For players who want a wider hitting surface with unrelenting power and a forgiving feel, the Widebody SLK ERA is an absolute winner.
Why Both Shapes Shine
Both the Elongated and Widebody SLK ERA paddles are built for players who love to play with intensity, but each brings a unique flavor to the court. The Elongated shape is my go-to when I want to stretch my reach and maximize power on drives and serves, especially in singles or when I’m playing an aggressive baseline game. Its longer handle and extended length make it a beast for two-handed shots and high-spin play. The Widebody, on the other hand, is my pick for doubles or when I’m focusing on consistency and control at the net. Its broader surface and higher twist weight make it feel like an extension of my arm, forgiving slight mishits while still packing a punch.
Both paddles share the same cutting-edge features—Dynamic Fusion Core, 3-Layered Face, Raw Spin Technology, and Reinforced Edge Technology—that make them feel like they were crafted for champions. The 16mm core thickness in both shapes strikes a perfect balance, delivering power without sacrificing touch, while the thermoformed construction ensures durability and a premium feel. Whether you’re an intermediate player looking to level up or a pro chasing tournament glory, these paddles have the versatility to match your style.
Final Thoughts
The Selkirk SLK ERA Power 16mm Pickleball Paddle, in both its Elongated and Widebody forms, is a joy to play with. These paddles bring a perfect blend of power, spin, and control, wrapped in a durable, tournament-ready package that looks as good as it performs. The Elongated shape is your weapon for reach and aggressive shot-making, while the Widebody offers unmatched stability and a forgiving sweet spot. Whichever you choose, you’re getting a paddle that’s built to elevate your game and make every match a thrill. I can’t wait to hit the court again with these beauties—trust me, you’ll feel the same rush!
